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Should I accept this role?Hexagram 2 and 11 changing to 5

anita

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Fellow Seekers,

I'm ina dilemma right now -- and no, it's not my boyfriend. It's a role I've been asked to do in the play version of 'The Graduate' by old friends.
The role is that of a nightclub stripper -- just 5 minutes on stage. And no, I don't have to take my clothes off, but I do need to wear something sexy under a robe I throw off to dance -- and that's okay because I do wear pretty revealing stuff at times. The costume is certainly not too revealing -- more a classy gown kind of thing.

But I've been wondering whether someone who conducts divine ceremonies can do such a thing. My Sensei told me it's up to me. Of course, we're not what we pretend to be... but is it proper in my situation?

I used the falsh readiung here and asked three times what if I accept this role. I first received hex 11 line 5 changing to 5- waiting and the next couple of times hexagram 2 without moving lines. Does this mean I should not take any action but remain passive?

What do you think?

Best for your Quest

Anita
 
C

candid

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Hi Anita,

I?d say your reading advices you to have a sense of peace about it, to welcome the role and play it cheerfully.

Candid
 

gene

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Anita

Line 5 appears to be a very happy line in a very happy hexagram. I understand your concerns, no one wants to be indiscrete when they are wishing to convey a spiritual nature. Nevertheless, on the basis of the I Ching's advice, I see nothing wrong with it.
And, as you said, you don't have to take your clothes off.

Gene
 

willow

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Anita, before there were gods there were goddesses; before there were strippers there were temple priestesses. In a roundabout sense, you would be taking on a debased modern version of an ancient sacred role. It might or might not be possible/likely/acceptable/relevant to explore any of that, either for yourself, or as an aspect of the performance.

I like Candid's emphasis on peace. The issue is charged, so first be at peace, then respond. When there is a concern as to how an act will affect one's image (and thus effectiveness) in the future, I think peace, waiting, receptiveness, are the qualities that will lead you to see the difference between what is deep and what is superficial in the various considerations swirling about.

Also, levity, humor, role reversals have their place in most spiritual paths. Is there a way that doing this play could poke healthy fun at the seriousness of spiritual responsibilities, or be sort of a Mardi Gras or Saturnalia type of "reset" for you or the audience?
 
C

candid

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Willow, I love it! Humor, such an important part of living. Imagine living a life where you were too serious about enlightenment to laugh?

Anita, to learn detachment, one must be occasionally reminded of attachment, and all that comes with it. I believe your Sensei knew this well, and its why he let fate take its course with you.

I also believe that this sort of thing can be incredibly liberating. That's the value of the arts. One expresses something that words alone can not. Drama, music, paint and ink, dance, etc, are all means of expressing something intangible and living. So is gardening, martial arts, cooking and walking. Anything that is pro-active in which you become the art-form, expresses what can't otherwise be expressed.

Peace centers but excitement gives you the edge.

Enjoy!
 

anita

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Hello Fellow Seekers,

Thank you much for your insights and once again it is greatly enriching to see how insights can differ. For when I did probe further, Sensei tokd me what I already knew -- that one who conducts divine ceremonies must not make a public spectacle of herself. I have decided not to do it. Before I became a priestess it would have been very different. I've been a model for years and am still attached to admiration. It would have been rather fun to drop my robe on stage in the spotlight and do a seductive little dance throughout a whole scene.

The line in hex 11 puzzles me though. It speaks of the marriage of a princess. What's that about? I know that if I do not follow my conscience, I will not succeed in the role I play. So I have decided to yield to my spiritual path and to the advice of my conscience and my Sensei (hexagram 2)(who knew I understand - which is why she told me to make my own decision). As if pointing to this I dreamed of the Chief Sensei for the first time a week ago. No coincidence that. She was telling me how she devotes all her time to divine work.

I think this clean up of my mind has alsomuch to do with hexagram 59 that I draw so often. The King worshipping in his temple gets rid of any cause for anxiety. More on 59 in another post.

However, I am still attached to how I look and still wear sexy clothes to work. Something I suppose unheard of in the west. That too ought to change some time. But then I've always dressed this way and it's also because I want to show people that it's not the appearance that counts.

But you can't do that in the context of the Temple. I always dress down when I go there and would never do something that would lead people who come there to question their faith. After all, I do set an example for others to follow. On the other hand, I'm still the priestess that wears lipstick and eyeliner with her uniform and has coloured hair. So I think there is a balance here.

Best for your Quest

Anita
 
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C

candid

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Whatever your decision, rest in it. I personally think it could be beneficial, but only you could really know that.
 

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